April Parsons v. HHS - Influenza, left shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) (2025)

On November 23, 2020, April Parsons, then 62 and working as a traveling nurse, filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her left shoulder on September 25, 2018 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. Ms.

Parsons reported pain soon after the shot and repeatedly emailed her employer in October 2018 that her shoulder still hurt. On November 2, 2018, Concentra Honolulu records described "SIRVA L Shoulder," pain for about a month after the injection, mild reduced range of motion, full strength, and negative impingement testing.

She received a steroid injection and physical therapy referral. Over the next months, she moved between work locations and continued to report shoulder pain linked to the flu shot.

A February 2019 MRI showed a partial-thickness supraspinatus tear, mild to moderate degenerative arthritis, mild subacromial bursitis, and marrow edema. She later received another cortisone injection in November 2019.

Respondent moved to dismiss, challenging onset within 48 hours and the six-month severity requirement. Chief Special Master Brian H.

Corcoran found the Table SIRVA elements satisfied, including timely onset and residual symptoms lasting longer than six months. On December 19, 2025, he awarded Ms.

Parsons $53,000.00 for pain and suffering.